Darran Valley

Cardiff

Parc Cwm Darran lake The lake has been dredged and slightly remodelled in the last year and is now nearly rectangular (compare the OS map).
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Parc Cwm Darran lake The lake has been dredged and slightly remodelled in the last year and is now nearly rectangular (compare the OS map).
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Parc Cwm Darran Nearly deserted on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. The structures on the right are a children's playground.
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Cefn Gelligaer Gelligaer and Merthyr Common extends for a few miles. This is roughly halfway. Small ponds such as these are frequent; most are not marked on the map. The area is probably usually used for grazing horses but nothing was out on this cold rainy day. The transmitter in the background is on Twyn y Fidffawydd, two squares away.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Pasture at Cefn Bach A footpath runs along the western side of the ridge, across the pastures of Cefn Bach farm. This area is full of rough pastures divided by substantial stone walls.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Popular places to visit

Millennium Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

The spiritual home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadiumin Cardiff is one of the most famous sporting arenas on the planet, envied the world over for its cauldron-like atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle

Cardiff Castle

Located in the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most important cultural attractions. A rich history spanning 2,000 years is contained within its walls and fairytale-style towers.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University

Things to do

A tour arrives at Caerleon.

The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.

P7,257
per adult
The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

P1,032
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

P6,741
per adult
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour
The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

P1,390
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour

P6,741
per adult
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour
From Cardiff: Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons Full-Day Trip

From Cardiff: Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons Full-Day Trip

P8,063
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From Cardiff: Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons Full-Day Trip
See all activities in Cardiff

Top hotels in Darran Valley

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street Cardiff Wales
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,985 reviews)
Rooms were perfectly clean. The staff extremely kind, thoughtful and helpful. Breakfast was yummy 😋 So are the prices to stay here.

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026

Get rates
The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road Newport Wales
The price is P7,486 per night from Feb 27 to Feb 28
P7,486
P8,983 total
Feb 27 - Feb 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,336 reviews)
Always a pleasure to stay at Celtic Manor 👍

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Celtic Manor Resort
Village Hotel Cardiff

Village Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
29 Pendwyallt Road, Coryton Cardiff Wales
The price is P5,281 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P5,281
P6,338 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
lovely room just a long walk to get to the room. breakfast was brilliant as always

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026

Village Hotel Cardiff
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay Cardiff Wales
The price is P4,641 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
P4,641
P5,569 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,579 reviews)
Everything we needed. Easy parking, simple check in process, friendly staff, clean room. All great.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane Cardiff Wales
The price is P4,753 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P4,753
P5,704 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,211 reviews)
Lovely hotel in an amazing location.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2026

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street Cardiff Wales
The price is P7,064 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P7,064
P8,476 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,771 reviews)
Lovely room and facilities

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

The Parkgate Hotel
See all 2,009 properties in Darran Valley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Darran Valley

The Royal Mint.

Llantrisant

Visitors to Llantrisant enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, The Royal Mint Experience is worth a stop.

Llantrisant
Hollybush Estate Road - Coryton

Whitchurch

Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Whitchurch
University Hospital of Wales gardens

Heath

Though Heath might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cardiff Golf Club and National Museum Cardiff.

Heath
Well-preserved oval mound that once hosted gladiatorial combat and military processions. This amphitheater was built for the Roman forces at Isca around AD 90 and would have seated around 6000 spectators!

Caerleon

Caerleon is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Isca Augusta and Caerleon Amphitheatre.

Caerleon
Llandaff Cathedral featuring interior views, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Llandaff

Travelers enjoy Llandaff for its monuments and historic sites. Consider checking out Insole Court while you're in the area.

Llandaff
DSC_3799

Penylan

Travelers like the restaurants in Penylan, and Teamsport Karting is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Penylan

Darran Valley